AMC hits all-time excessive as traders refuse to promote the hedge fund’s shares

On Jun 2, 2021

AMC multiplex cinema.

NicolasMcComber | Getty Images

AMC Entertainment’s stock opened at an all-time high on Wednesday after dismissing a report that a hedge fund had sold its stake in the cinema company.

The stock opened at $ 37.52, rose nearly 20%, then rose to $ 41.95, up more than 30%. AMC’s previous intraday high was $ 36.72 on Friday. The closing record was $ 35.86 on March 23, 2015, according to FactSet data.

The stocks traded at a brisk pace. Just a few minutes after the market opened on Wednesday, AMC had already traded almost 25 million shares. Its average 30-day volume is 143 million shares.

On Tuesday, AMC reported that it had sold 8.5 million newly issued shares to Mudrick Capital, the latest in a series of capital increases for the stock, a favorite with Reddit traders. The hedge fund later turned around and sold all of its AMC shares for a profit, according to Bloomberg News.

AMC announced in a securities filing that it raised $ 230.5 million through a stock sale to the investment firm. The cinema operator said it would use the funds for potential acquisitions, modernize its cinemas, and reduce its balance sheet.

AMC’s business was effectively shut down during the pandemic as cinemas were closed for months in most of the country. With no money coming in from ticket sales and concessions, AMC fell behind with its rent. On the verge of bankruptcy, short sellers raved about the stock.

Retail investors inspired by Reddit chats have used their growing numbers to fight back. According to data from S3 Partners, investors who sold the stock short lost an estimated $ 1.23 billion over the past week as the stock rose more than 116%. The stock is up more than 1,400% since the start of the year.

The company has made special efforts to communicate with this new investor base. On Wednesday it announced that it had launched a new portal for its retail investors on its website. The website has special offers, including a tub of free popcorn and exclusive movie screenings.